Irish Immigration during the 1840’s


During the 1840’s, in result of the potato famine, many of the population of Ireland emigrated to the United States or elsewhere. This famine contributed to the Irish people being one of the largest immigration groups constituting about 49 percent of the total immigration in 1841-150. Though there was Irish Immigration prior to and following the famine, this disaster caused a rapid amount of people to leave Ireland over a short period of time.


Historical background




Before the 1940’s it was not uncommon for the Irish to Immigrate. They were emigrating for the same reasons as other people from different countries. Religious, rural and poor immigrates in Ireland were the majority of the people leaving.


The Potato Famine in Ireland is what forced this great immigration during the 1840’s. This famine was the series of potato crop failures that led to extreme poverty and starvation. There were over a million deaths in Ireland in result to this. This crop had such a great impact on the Irish people because it was Irelands most important agriculture output. Also the society had relied largely on the potatoes, prior to the famine, so when the crops failed many people were unable to pay their taxes and rent, causing them to get evicted out of their housing. By immigrating to other places, the Irish people were hoping to escape the terrible impact of the famine.


Effects on Immigration



The positives are that the mass of people who came did take up occupations and immediately go to work. These group of people who had immigrated were healthy and safe. Their Immigration gave the Irish people a chance to get out of poverty and poor situations and gain job opportunities that will benefit their futures and their families futures.
The negatives are the famine. This disaster wiped out more than a million of people in Ireland. Also as a result of their size and differences many people didn't not like the new Irish Immigrants.


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Representation of The Irish Immigrants are 39 %



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This article talks about Irish immigration following the big burst of immigrants resulting from the famine. It also mentions how the population in Ireland has decreased.